Maryam Aminu
In a significant move to address the challenges faced by Nigeria’s growing elderly population, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has called for bold institutional reforms to secure a dignified and inclusive aging system in the country.
The call was made at the maiden edition of the Healthy Ageing Symposium, Exposition and Awards, held at the Dr. M. B. Shehu Auditorium, RMAFC Headquarters in Abuja. The event, themed “Ageing with Dignity and Working with Purpose,” was organised by the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS) in partnership with DCL Africa and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely and transformative intervention.
He noted that the choice of theme reflected growing national awareness of the plight of senior citizens and stressed the need for grassroots-oriented, sustainable solutions.
“The cost of accessing quality healthcare has exceeded the income capacity of the average Nigerian, thereby impacting negatively on life expectancy,” Agaka said. “Reliable health information and community-based preventive care could translate to significant savings and improved wellbeing for millions.”
He added that RMAFC’s decision to host the symposium underscored its commitment to ensuring a healthy and productive workforce across all ages.
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of NSCC, Dr. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe represented by Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ajayi called on policymakers to urgently address systemic issues affecting the elderly. “Too many older persons face poverty, isolation, neglect, and a profound loss of dignity. Dignified aging is not a privilege; it is a right,” he said.
Dr. Ajayi outlined seven key pillars critical to building a responsive aging system in Nigeria: legal and policy reforms, sustainable financing, community-based infrastructure, geriatric workforce development, integration of technology, and promotion of social inclusion.
He also highlighted several ongoing NSCC programmes, including the Geriatric Social Care Community Extension Services, Medical Housing Projects, and the Assistive Devices Distribution Initiative.
He disclosed that the NSCC is working with the National Assembly and Institute of Justice to harmonize elder protection laws and develop an enforceable national aging policy.
A digital literacy programme was also announced, aimed at empowering elderly citizens with basic technology skills through youth-led volunteer efforts. In addition, older persons are now being engaged as ambassadors in sanitation and environmental campaigns across communities.
“We must change the narrative older people are not burdens, they are national assets,” Dr. Ajayi emphasized.
The symposium featured technical paper presentations by experts including:
Dr. Maimouna Diop Ly, an authority on nutrition and longevity,
Dr. Mories Atoke, CEO of ABC Health, who presented innovations in geriatric healthcare delivery, and
Dr. Hanem Abdelraouf, who spoke on gender-sensitive eldercare in African and Middle Eastern societies.
The event attracted policymakers, health experts, development partners, and civil society stakeholders, all united in their resolve to champion the rights, welfare, and dignity of Nigeria’s senior citizens.
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